“May I say just one thing? As friends, be careful of them. I'll say nothing more. Beware. That's all.”

For Richard and Anthea everything in life just falls into place. With their warmth, careless charm, generosity and business success they are a truly happy, golden couple.

They invite their friends, neighbours and business partners to celebrate with them over the years; on Bonfire Night, at midsummer, on Boxing Day and eventually, their daughter’s 18th birthday party. Perhaps it’s inevitable that the others suffer by comparison. Quiet misery, unrequited love and jealousy play their part in this painfully funny comedy.

This year's Ayckbourn revival was premiered at the SJT in 1978 and was an immediate hit.